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Tag: Nickelodeon

  • ViacomCBS Channels Coming to YouTube TV

    ViacomCBS Channels Coming to YouTube TV

    ViacomCBS has struck a deal with YouTube TV to bring 14 of its channels to the popular streaming service.

    YouTube TV is one of the newer TV streaming services, joining Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu With Live TV and others. The service has quickly become a favorite with a well-rounded combination of channels, features and price. One glaring omission was some of the ViacomCBS stations, such as Comedy Central, MTV, CMT, Paramount Network and more. With today’s announcement, that omission has finally been fixed.

    BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land and VH1 will be available this summer, with BET Her, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nick Jr., NickToons and TeenNick coming on at a later date.

    “We are thrilled to have reached an expanded agreement with YouTube TV that recognizes the full power of our newly combined portfolio as ViacomCBS,” said Ray Hopkins, President, U.S. Networks Distribution, ViacomCBS. “Google has been an excellent partner, and we look forward to bringing even more of our entertainment networks to YouTube TV subscribers for the first time.”

    “We’re excited to launch ViacomCBS’ portfolio on YouTube TV this summer, ” said Lori Conkling, Global Head of Partnerships at YouTube TV. “Our expanded partnership delivers on our promise to offer a premium portfolio of content to our YouTube TV subscribers, as well as across the YouTube platforms.”

    The announcement is good news for current YouTube TV subscribers and will likely help the service gain even more.

  • ViacomCBS May Launch New Streaming Service

    ViacomCBS May Launch New Streaming Service

    CNBC is reporting that ViacomCBS may be preparing to release a new streaming service.

    According to the report, the new streaming service will build on CBS All Access, combining it “with Viacom assets including Pluto TV, Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Pictures, said the people, who asked not to be named because the product discussions are private.”

    Initial discussions seem to indicate three tiers: an ad-supported free service, a base plan that costs less than $10/month and a premium service that would include Showtime.

    As CNBC points out, while CBS All Access predates Apple TV+ and Disney+, not to mention the upcoming HBO Max and NBCUniversal’s Peacock, after the merger with Viacom, there is far more content that could be made available. The new service will likely be far more well-rounded and able to better compete directly with the other streaming services.

    Even so, with a new streaming service seemingly popping up every few weeks, experts are already warning that viewers are experiencing “subscription fatigue.” Hopefully the new service truly builds upon—and replaces—CBS All Access rather than being offered side-by-side.

  • Jennette McCurdy Loses Good Girl Image Going from ‘Sam & Cat’ to ‘Between’

    Jennette McCurdy, star of Nickelodeon hits iCarly and Sam & Cat has given up her good girl role for a new show now filming in Toronto for Netflix and City. The Canadian survivalist thriller features Jennette McCurdy in a grown up role–one her Nickelodeon fans might not even recognize.

    Called Between, it will debut simultaneously on Netflix and City–the Canadian TV network that developed the one-hour drama.

    On Thursday, Jennette McCurdy chatted with The Hollywood Reporter about filming Between.

    “I’m going back home next week, and I’ve grown a lot,” she said.

    Believe is about a town under siege from a disease–unknown in nature–that has killed everyone, except for those aged 21 and under.

    “I’ve had this personal arc,” Jennette McCurdy said. “I come from the set to home, and I feel like I’ve emotionally released myself. It’s a way to get out emotions that you may put on the back burner and put aside to act a certain role to your fans.

    In the six-part TV drama, the young people–who are mostly high school students–must decide how to survive as the government quarantines the town.

    Singer Ariana Grande’s former costar and BFF isn’t sure she wants her friends and family members to watch her in this latest role.

    “In some ways, I don’t want them (friends and family) to watch. It’s very raw. And I’m sure, whether or not I want them to watch, they will watch the show,” she said.

    “I feel Believe is really perfect,” she adds. ‘A lot of the kids that watched iCarly and Sam & Cat are getting older. This fits the bill. Already my more intense fans are very excited and eagerly awaiting the series.”

    Jennette McCurdy struck a new phase in her independence while filming Believe.

    “When I found out I was shooting in Toronto, I was scared to be away from my fans and friends and community for so long,” she explains. “But I also felt excited to be alone and independent. It’s turned out to be more than I could have anticipated. I’ve felt that I’ve made some great friends in Toronto.”

    Between is the first Canadian production Netflix has ordered.

    You can see Jennette McCurdy in this new series beginning on May 21st.

  • Miranda Cosgrove: ‘iCarly’ Star Lands NBC Comedy Pilot

    Miranda Cosgrove, probably best known for her role on Nickelodeon’s iCarly, has landed a new comedy pilot on NBC. The show is about two adult children who move back home with their parents who–up until the move–were empty-nesters. That definitely sounds like a story line that many–both young and old–can relate to these days.

    As yet untitled, the pilot is being written by Hot in Cleveland writer Suzanne Martin, and will be directed and executive produced by James Burrows. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner of Hazy Mills Productions will also serve as executive producers.

    The sitcom has yet to be fully cast. Miranda Cosgrove will play the role of Shea, the younger of the two sisters to move home. She is a bit socially awkward and has a doctorate in astrophysics. Shea dreams of becoming an astronaut. This certainly sounds like a fun role for the former iCarly star. The role of the older sister hasn’t yet been filled.

    This isn’t the first NBC pilot that Miranda Cosgrove has landed. In 2013 she was cast in Girlfriend in a Coma, but the show wasn’t picked up.

    In addition to her role in iCarly, Miranda Cogrove starred in Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh. She also starred alongside Jack Black in his film School of Rock.

    Hopefully the role in this NBC comedy pilot launches Miranda Cosgrove back on to prime time TV. She might one day soon be one of NBC’s weeknight stars.

  • Nickelodeon Is Working on a Subscription Streaming Service

    Nickelodeon Is Working on a Subscription Streaming Service

    Spongebob is coming to a streaming device near you.

    Nickelodeon will soon unveil its own subscription streaming service, according to the network’s parent company Viacom.

    Variety has the details, which so far are pretty sparse:

    More details about the service will be revealed when Nickelodeon hosts its “upfront” meeting with advertisers next month. U.S. TV networks try to sell the bulk of their ad inventory in the upfront market, and TV networks that cater to children typically lead the salvo.

    The new Nickelodeon service will be aimed specifically at consumers who use mobile devices, Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman said during a call held to discuss Viacom’s financial performance. He suggested the service would have a different name or brand, and said it “will be very attractive to parents and children.”

    Nickelodeon will be joining a growing list of networks offering online streaming options to those who don’t wish to be tethered to a traditional cable provider. Major broadcast networks like CBS are jumping into the space that’s currently dominated by Netflix and Amazon Prime, as are premium cable outlets like HBO.

    Nickelodeon, however, is one of the first basic cable channels to move in this direction.

    Other cable channels like TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, and Disney have just dipped their toes in the world of cable-less streaming, joining the lineup for DISH’s new Sling TV.

    Image via Spongebob SquarePants, Facebook

  • Amanda Bynes: No DUI Prosecution for September Violation

    Amanda Bynes has seemingly dodged another bullet. The former Nickelodeon star of All That and The Amanda Show was stopped for drunk driving back in September, but the Los Angeles city attorney has decided not to pursue the DUI charge.

    “After much deliberation and review,” the city attorney decided the charge won’t be pursued, however the actress isn’t off the hook completely–at least not yet.

    “There was not enough evidence to provide a likelihood of conviction if filed,” City Attorney spokesman Frank Mateljansaid in an interview with the New York Daily News.

    The L.A. County D.A. has yet to decide on whether to seek a probation-violation hearing. Amanda Bynes was taken into custody at 3:00 in the morning back on September 28th, after allegedly running a red light and stopping in the middle of an intersection just outside of Los Angeles. She was first arrested for DUI in 2012, but managed to avoid serving any jail time by completing an inpatient treatment program. In early 2014, she was placed on three years’ probation for that case.

    In the past year, however, mental illness seems to be the biggest caveat in Amanda Bynes’ life. She has suffered several delusional episodes in public, and publicly defamed her father–saying he sexually abused her.

    Onlookers will likely have mixed feelings about the L.A. city attorney not pursuing DUI charges against Amanda Bynes. Will their decision alleviate the weight the girl is carrying on her shoulders, and make her feel less stressed–or will it simply convey the message that she got away with something she shouldn’t have done in the first place?

    Perhaps if she faces the aforementioned probation violation instead, it will hit home that she isn’t above retribution. It’s uncertain what that punishment might be.

  • Chromecast Adds Support For Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Sesame Street

    Google announced yet more apps that are now supporting its $35 Chromecast streaming device. These are some significant ones that should only serve to help sales for the holidays (which are bound to be pretty good already).

    The device will now support apps from Comedy Central, Sesame Street, and Nickelodeon. Google says in a brief post on the Chrome blog:

    Chromecast is adding seven more great apps to your casting queue. Get bigger laughs with The Daily Show on Comedy Central, learn with Elmo on Sesame Street Go, or cast Nickelodeon and let Spongebob keep your family entertained. And, no matter how far you travel this winter, stay connected with TuneIn for international radio stations and millions of podcasts. With EPIX, YuppTV and Encore also casting, you have a full lineup of shows, sports, games and movies to last throughout the holiday season.

    Chromecast is frequently gaining support from more and more apps as Google itself continues to improve it with additional functionality. For example, a few days ago, Google announced Google Drive support on Chrome OS, enabling users to cast media files stored with their Google accounts.

    The device is also getting better for more Android devices as the list of those supporting screen mirroring continues to expand.

    Earlier this month, Google announced a set of new “family-friendly” games for Chromecast, as well as support from Showtime and Starz.

    Image via YouTube

  • Amanda Bynes Twitter Message Shows Off Purple Hair

    Amanda Bynes sent a Twitter message to her fans on Friday, showing off her newly dyed purple hair. The former Nickelodeon star–known for roles in All That and The Amanda Show–is out of the psychiatric facility where she underwent a recent evaluation and treatment. Her behavior since being released, however, makes one question whether she should be left on her own.

    Bynes had her hair colored purple at the Nine Zero One Salon in L.A., and seemed happy with the result. When she left the salon she donned green sunglasses and tried hiding her mouth behind a pack of cigarettes.

    She tweeted a photo of her new hair color before she left, however.

    Amanda Bynes’ Twitter account has seen a plethora of unusual messages sent by the former actress. In this past month alone she has tweeted about having bipolar disorder and she accused her father of having sexually abused her. Just days ago she tweeted about having no money and being homeless.

    Amanda Bynes is clearly in need of more help than she is presently receiving. Hopefully someone will intervene before she harms herself or someone else.

    Have you checked out Amanda Bynes’ Twitter account to read some of the bizarre messages posted there?

  • Are You Afraid of the Dark Is on YouTube, Now Go Relive Your Childhood

    Are You Afraid of the Dark Is on YouTube, Now Go Relive Your Childhood

    In this is why you love the internet news, some wonderful, wonderful redditor discovered that every single episode of the nostalgia-inducing horror series Are You Afraid of the Dark? is available to watch on YouTube. Culled from various YouTube accounts, here’s the list of all 65 episodes, and their links.

    And here’s an auto-generated playlist.

    Are You Afraid of the Dark? was originally a Canadian series, but was picked up by Nickelodeon in 1991. Starting in 1992, kids could tune in to the channel’s SNICK lineup and watch the Midnight Society tell their creepy tales. One notable aspect of Are You Afraid of the Dark?, one that’s premier in endearing it to many kids of its era, is its unsettling nature. While some tales had a happy ending, many did not. You remember the dollhouse episode, right?

    Are You Afraid of the Dark? ran for seven seasons in Canada – five in the U.S. It’s almost Halloween – go relive your childhood.

    h/t Mashable, Image via YouTube

  • Amanda Bynes Arrested On Suspected DUI Charge

    Amanda Bynes is having run-ins with the law once again.

    According to authorities, Bynes was arrested on Sunday morning on the charge of driving under the influence of drugs after she failed a sobriety test.

    Bynes was reportedly taken into custody at approximately 4:10 a.m. by the California Highway Patrol after she simply stopped her vehicle in the middle of the Van Nuys Boulevard intersection in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles.

    CHP Officer Leland Tang said that Bynes’ blood was drawn, but he did not know what kind of drugs were found in her system.

    Bynes was booked by the LAPD at a station in Van Nuys at around 7 a.m. and was held on $15,000 bail. She was later released from custody at approximately 12:44 p.m. on Sunday. Bynes is due to appear in court for the misdemeanor charge on October 23.

    This is not the first time that Bynes has had issues following the law. In February, Bynes pleaded no contest to alcohol-related charges and was sentenced to three years probation.

    Prior to that, Bynes was arrested for allegedly throwing a bong out of her 36th floor New York City apartment window in May 2013, but that case was later dismissed in June 2014.

    In late 2013, Bynes entered a mental health facility and her mother Lynn gained conservatorship of the former Nickelodeon actress. “She’s doing extremely well. Her primary focus is bonding with her family and being a student,” Bynes’ attorney told People in April.

    Bynes is probably best known for her variety program on Nickelodeon called The Amanda Show. She has also starred in several movies including What a Girl Wants.

  • Tia Mowry’s ‘Instant Mom’ Renewed For Third Season

    Nickelodeon has given the go ahead for producers to begin work on the third season of Instant Mom starring Tia Mowry.

    Nickelodeon’s President of Content Development and Production Russell Hicks made the announcement on Monday, revealing that the network would be renewing the hit comedy series for a 20-episode third season.

    “Instant Mom has proven to be the perfect breakout series for families to enjoy together on Nick at Nite,” Hicks said. “The show appeals to kids and parents alike, and we’re excited to continue delivering new, comedic storylines that our talented cast and creative team bring to life.”

    The scripted half-hour series appears on Nick at Nite and Nick Mom, and stars Mowry as the former party girl Stephanie.

    The show follows Stephanie as she becomes a full-time step mom to three children after marrying their traditional father Charlie. With the help of her mother, Stephanie starts to figure out this parenting thing in her own unique way.

    Mowry took to her personal Instagram page to share the exciting news with her fans. “Whoo-hoo!!! Instant Mom gets picked up for a 3rd season! We couldn’t have done this without all of you guys! Thanks for your support! We love you!! #happygirl,” she wrote.

    Season two of Instant Mom premieres on October 2 at an all new time – 8:00 p.m. ET.

  • Jennette McCurdy: Role Model Rant A Sign Of Trouble?

    Jennette McCurdy: Role Model Rant A Sign Of Trouble?

    Jennette McCurdy has grown up in the public eye since she began her stint on the popular Nickelodeon show iCarly in 2007. Maybe it’s the stress of public life. Maybe it’s the recent scandal surrounding some leaked photos of her in her unmentionables.

    Perhaps it was the cancellation of the show Jennette McCurdy co-starred in with Arianna Grande, Sam & Cat, or the rumor that a salary dispute caused the show to collapse. Of course, on top of it all Jennette McCurdy has also been dealing with the loss of her mother back in September of last year.

    Whatever it was, something has caused Jennette McCurdy to compose a rant on Reddit that wavered between fairly mature statements and Miley-esqe “I’m not a role model” statements.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-9zW-yhbd8

    Here’s a bit of what she wrote on Reddit:

    “I am not a role model. I don’t claim to be, I don’t try to be, and I don’t want to be. There was a time when I tried to live up to the aggrandizing title, that pedestal of a thing. Maybe it wasn’t so much that I was trying to live up to it. Perhaps I thought I could and I thought I was supposed to, so I gave it my best shot.”

    Jennette McCurdy continued, “It’s fine, I can admit it. Back in my adolescence, I was more amiable, bubbly, and on lightly humid days, maybe even flouncy. I was role model material and then some. Fast forward a few years, I’ve grown up a bit (emphasis on “a bit”). I might not be any wiser, but I like to think I’m more honest.”

    Ok, so it’s not exactly Miley, and she probably won’t chop off her hair and go crazy. I hope not anyway. Jennette McCurdy has been posting some racy pics lately and the statements she makes have become bolder, but she did actually offer some pretty good advice for young people:

    “But in order to be thought of as a real, true role model, I believe you have to know a person and their actions, inside and out. Calling a celebrity a role model is like calling a stranger a role model. The knowledge you have of a celebrity is no more than a caricature drawn by media tastemakers specializing in selling you an image you’re dying to buy. It’s good to have heroes, but you have to look for them in the right places. They say don’t look for true love in a bar, well I say, don’t look for role models on screens.” Jennette McCurdy said.

    Jennette McCurdy added, “But please, I encourage you to find role models in the people around you, the people in your everyday life, the people that are your friends and family.”

    Here’s hoping the spotlight doesn’t get the best of Jennette McCurdy like it has so many other young actors.

    Image via YouTube

  • Miranda Cosgrove and Jordin Sparks Promote NFL Women’s Apparel

    Miranda Cosgrove and Jordin Sparks are just two of the famous faces signed on to promote the NFL’s women’s apparel line.

    They’re joining Erin Heatherton, China Anne McClain, Dania Ramirez, and Jessica Szohr to show off the line of fan wear geared toward younger women.

    The first glimpse of the new ads shows Cosgrove wearing a black, grey, and gold New Orleans Saints tee from the youth clothing line. She’s glammed it up with glittery gold pants.

    Cosgrove, who became famous on Nickelodeon’s iCarly series opposite Jennette McCurdy, also voiced a character in 2010’s animated hit Despicable Me and its 2013 sequel.

    She recently finished filming the thriller The Intruders.

    Post by The Intruders 3D – 2014.

    Phoenix native Sparks stayed true to her home team in an Arizona Cardinals jersey. The shirt is emblazened with Larry Fitzgerald’s number 11 and also bears the Nike logo.

    Sparks’ father, retired professional football player Phillippi Sparks, played for the New York Giants for eight seasons from 1992 to 1999. But Sparks defended her team choice:

    “I was born and raised in Arizona. Although I have an allegiance to the Giants because of my daddy, I bleed Cardinal Red.”

    Sparks jumpstarted her singing-songwriting career by winning the sixth season of American Idol in 2007. She released her first studio album in November of that year. “No Air,” her duet with Chris Brown, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009.

    Since then Sparks has tried her hand at acting – she’ll appear in Left Behind with Nicolas Cage, Chad Michael Murray, and Lea Thompson on October 3 – and attempted to get a third studio album released.

    Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr is a native of Menomonee Falls, WI so it’s no surprise that in the first round of ads she’s wearing a vintage-look Green Bay Packers sweater.

    “It’s very fitting and it looks vintage,” Szohr said of the ’47 Brand Passblock sweater. “It’s different and cool, which is what I really liked about it.”

    Szohr, who has dated Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the past, said it “was awesome to me that you could wear this line and be fashion-forward and comfortable and feel feminine and sexy while you’re just sitting and watching a football game … It reaches all ages and all different types of sports fans.”

    Heatherton, McClain, and Ramirez will most likely be stepping out in team attire in the coming weeks since, as the official NFL Shop has already reminded fans, the season starts in just 50 days.

    Image via Instagram, Miranda Cosgrove

  • Ariana Grande Says Goodbye To Cat

    Ariana Grande confirmed on Sunday that the Nickelodeon show Sam & Cat, that she starred in with Jennette McCurdy, has been canceled and that Cat is going away for good.

    July 17th’s episode will be considered the season finale, though it is only technically the 36th episode.

    The show was abruptly put on “hiatus” back in April after scandalous pics of Jenny McCurdy in her delicates were leaked online. Then there were rampant rumors that Ariana Grande and Jennette McCurdy were feuding over each other’s salaries.

    Although, that rumor was rebuffed by Ariana Grande quickly.

    “The rumors circulating about our contracts and our salary not being equal are absolutely ridiculous and false. I don’t know who’s putting these idiotic quotes out there but I thought I’d straighten it out and try to end this nonsense.”

    Included in her lengthy statement was a flat out denial that salary had anything to do with the feud or the “hiatus”.

    “As far as the show goes, I don’t know what’s happening because I’m not directly involved with the problem but I just wanted to address this one rumor in particular because I am NOT making more money than my costar, nor do I think I should be,” she continued. “So we can all move on and get out of our heads that this was a money thing cause I don’t play like that at all. I am, have always been and always will be about equality and fairness.”

    Ariana Grande hit Facebook with a lengthy goodbye to Nickelodeon and the character she played for so long.

    Post by Ariana Grande.

    Well, at least Ariana Grande still has her raging music career to fall back on!

    Image via YouTube

  • Ariana Grande Talks Abrupt ‘Sam & Cat’ Cancellation

    Ariana Grande is speaking out about the abrupt cancellation of Nickelodeon’s Sam & Cat.

    On Sunday, July 13, the 21-year-old singer-actress took to Twitter with an official statement about the network’s decision.

    “I felt it wasn’t my place to make any sort of announcement, so I kept quiet until now,” she tweeted to fans.

    “I want to thank Nickelodeon for making a childhood dream of mine come true, for being a family to me, for being so accommodating and supportive of my multitasking with my music career, and for, of course, introducing me to many of my fans however many years ago.”

    The “Problem” singer expressed what the role of Cat Valentine personally meant to her. While most fans probably viewed Grande’s television performance as just the portrayal of a fictitious character, she shared a different perspective of it.

    Since the Yours Truly singer is constantly a target for scrutiny and criticism about her style and appearance, she explained how she could personally relate to her character on the show.

    “I will always hold Cat near and dear to my heart and appreciate her help in my personal growth from teenager to adult,” Grande wrote. “I know she seems like a simple, daft character (and she is) but she played such a huge part in my life I just wanted to express my appreciation for her and share some of the things I love most about her.”

    Grande went on to share a few comparisons between her and her character. “I think a lot of people could take a page out of her book…… she wouldn’t judge anybody by their appearance…. she believed the best in people…. she wasn’t afraid of anything or anybody…. she never let people’s judgments hold her back from doing what she wanted,” Grande explained.

    Although the series quickly became a huge success for the network, rumors began circulating earlier this year about alleged conflicts between Grande and her co-star, Jennette McCurdy. The network filmed 36 of the 40 episodes that were ordered before the show was put on hiatus.

    Back in April, Nickelodeon released a statement to Deadline announcing the cancellation of the series. “Nickelodeon will not be producing more episodes of ‘Sam & Cat.’ We are very proud of the show and its very talented cast, and we wish them all the best, the network wrote.

    The series finale of Sam & Cat is scheduled to air on Thursday, July 17.

    Image via Ariana Grande, Facebook

  • Sam And Cat Officially Cancelled By Nickelodeon

    In April, Nickelodeon put their original series Sam and Cat on a permanent hiatus, which makes it no big surprise that they have decided to officially cancel the show.

    “Nickelodeon will not be producing more episodes of Sam & Cat,” Nickelodeon said in a statement to Deadline. “We are very proud of the show and its very talented cast and we wish them all the best.”

    The show was an instant hit among pre-teens and gathered high ratings. The two main characters, Jenette McCurdy from Nickelodeon’s iCarly and Ariana Grande from the network’s Victorious, made for an all-star cast. However, over recent months it seems as though drama on, and off, set have lead to the cancellation of the show.

    “We are wrapping up what was an unusually long production cycle of Sam & Cat, and everyone is understandably tired,” a Nickelodeon rep told E! News, regarding the show’s future, earlier this year. “We are going into our production hiatus next week which will give everyone on the show a much needed rest.”

    The first season was only supposed to air 20 episodes, however after producers saw the ratings, they ordered another 20 episodes. Filming 40 episodes was taxing on the entire cast, and it didn’t help matters any that McCurdy had some very racy selfies leaked on social media.

    There was also speculation that drama between the two co-stars was adding to the show’s demise. Apparently McCurdy was upset that Grande was making more money than she was, and it was adding tension on set. McCurdy then failed to attend the 2014 Kid’s Choice awards, adding to the speculation.

    “A lot of you guys are asking why I didn’t attend the KCAs,” McCurdy wrote in a tweet to her fans. “I wish I could explain everything as thoroughly as I would like to, but unfortunately a simpler explanation is all I can write. I was put in an uncomfortable, compromising, unfair situation (many of you have guessed what it is) and I had to look out for me.”

    “I chose to not go because sticking up for what is right and what is fair is what my mom taught me is ALWAYS the most important thing,” she added. “I want to thank those of you who have reached out with kind words of support, McCurdians and Arianators alike. No matter who or what you support, I believe in supporting fairness first. If you have done that, thank you.”

    Image via Twitter

  • Amanda Bynes: Bong-Tossing Case Thrown Out

    Amanda Bynes has one less legal issue weighing her down as she works to build herself a new life. Charges for reckless endangerment and marijuana possession stemming from an incident where the former Nickelodeon actress threw a bong out the window of her 36th-story New York City apartment have now been dropped.

    The court previously said the charges against Bynes would be dismissed if she stayed out of trouble and attended twice weekly counseling sessions. Attorney Gerald Shargel submitted an affidavit saying Amanda Bynes had complied with these requirements.

    “She did her counseling and it’s now all behind her,” Shargel said in a statement to the media outside of the court house.

    Amanda Bynes went through a very troubling period during which she dressed in a bizarre fashion and often wore unkempt wigs both in public and during court appearances. She was convicted of driving drunk in one incident and in another she set a fire in a driveway at a California home–not her own.

    Amanda has been under psychiatric care for a long time now and is said to be doing well. She is a student at a design school in California.

    Bynes became a star when she was just 13 years old when she landed her own show on Nickelodeon. The Amanda Show was a huge hit, and after that she went on to star in films including Hairspray, What A Girl Wants, and She’s the Man.

    It’s uncertain as to whether or not this is the last of the legal proceedings held over Amanda Bynes’s head pending further counseling and good behavior. If there is more it’s likely those charges could get dropped as well. The former actress (she announced in 2010 that she was leaving acting) seems to be doing well in this new life she is carving out for herself. Hopefully this positive trend continues.

    Image via YouTube

  • Ariana Grande: ‘Problem’ Result of Hard Work

    Ariana Grande’s new single Problem was released on Sunday night and she says it–along with the album featuring it, which will follow in August or September–is the culmination of lots of hard work. This is Grande’s sophomore album, and she loves it even more than Yours Truly–her first.

    Problem debuted at the Radio Disney Music Awards Sunday, and features Iggy Azalea. Ariana met the rapper at Katy Perry’s MTV EMAs after-party last fall.

    “I was a fan of hers from when she put Work out,” Grande said of Azalea’s 2013 single. “I thought she was so sensible and down-to-earth and talented.”

    Even though Ariana Grande’s upcoming album is as-of-yet untitled, she says it will be just as good–if not better–than Yours Truly.

    “I’m a workaholic, and a perfectionist,” she admits. “It was a very exciting thing for me to all of a sudden have this new mission, to make something as special as Yours Truly, and to put my time and effort into something new and something I want to make just as good, if not better.”

    “I never thought I’d be able to say this, but I love this [album] five times as much as I love Yours Truly,” she adds. “They’re different, but I love this one so much more.”

    Ariana shared some insight into her Problem.

    “Problem truly represents the feeling of being absolutely terrified to re-approach a relationship that’s gone sour — but you want to more than anything,” says Grande.

    She doesn’t openly admit, but hints that the song is based on her still-evolving relationship with an ex-boyfriend.

    “In the song, it ends on a sappy, negative note, but in [real] life, we’re hoping it’s going to end on a positive one. I feel like it’s all very honest and human,” she says.

    It seems that problem has turned into a very good one. Ariana’s new single has made it all the way to number one.

    In addition to Iggy Azalea, Ariana Grande’s new album features electronic superstar Zedd.

    What do you think of Ariana’s Problem? If everyone could have a problem like hers, they’d no doubt count their blessings–and their money, too. Once again, it looks like the former Nickelodeon star is quickly headed for the top of the music charts with an album that is still several months away.

    Image via Instagram

  • Sam And Cat Hiatus – Finale Episode April 26

    It looks like the future of Nickelodeon’s original series Sam and Cat is uncertain.

    According to reports by Deadline, the show will air the finale episode on April 26, and then will go on hiatus, letting everyone go other than the ones who are working on post-production.

    “We are wrapping up what was an unusually long production cycle of Sam & Cat, and everyone is understandably tired,” a Nickelodeon rep told E! News, regarding the show’s future. “We are going into our production hiatus next week which will give everyone on the show a much needed rest.”

    The show, which stars Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande, has easily become Nickelodeon’s highest rated series. The first season was only scheduled to air 20 episodes, however, after seeing the ratings, Nickelodeon decided to add 20 additional episodes.

    Filming 40 episodes has been taxing on everyone, and has left the cast exhausted. It doesn’t help matters that McCurdy had some racy selfies leaked to the media. She has had to deal with work along with the criticism from the photos, and being put down as a role model for children.

    Drama between McCurdy and Grande has added to the frustration. Reports surfaced last month that Grande was making more money than McCurdy and was causing tension between the girls. After missing the 2014 Kids’ Choice Awards, McCurdy posted a tweet on Twitter that added to the speculation that there is something going on between the girls and the network.

    “A lot of you guys are asking why I didn’t attend the KCAs,” McCurdy wrote in her tweet. “I wish I could explain everything as thoroughly as I would like to, but unfortunately a simpler explanation is all I can write. I was put in an uncomfortable, compromising, unfair situation (many of you have guessed what it is) and I had to look out for me.”

    “I chose to not go because sticking up for what is right and what is fair is what my mom taught me is ALWAYS the most important thing,” she continued. “I want to thank those of you who have reached out with kind words of support, McCurdians and Arianators alike. No matter who or what you support, I believe in supporting fairness first. If you have done that, thank you.”

    Despite the rumors, Grande said that she and McCurdy are treated fairly, and she does NOT make more money than her. “I hate addressing rumors and I hate gossip but this is really bothering me. Jennette and I agreed upfront that we would be treated equally on this show in all regards (as we should be, considering we each work just as hard as the other on this show),” Grande tweeted. “The rumors circulating about our contracts and our salary not being equal are absolutely ridiculous and false. I don’t know who’s putting these idiotic quotes out there but I thought I’d straighten it out and try to end this nonsense.”

    As of now, there is no news on if, and when, Sam and Cat will return for a second season.

    Image via Twitter

  • Ariana Grande Slams Rumors On Twitter

    Ariana Grande is finally putting her foot down and slamming rumors regarding the tension between her and her co-star Jenette McCurdy.

    Since McCurdy’s sexy selfies were leaked over a month ago, there has ben speculation that the Nickelodeon original series Sam and Cat, in which Grande and McCurdy star, is being cancelled. Other rumors suggest that the show is headed for failure because of the ongoing tension between the two girls.

    However, Grande says that these rumors are not true, and she is basically tired of hearing about them. “I hate addressing rumors and I hate gossip but this is really bothering me,” Grande wrote on her personal Twitter page on April 3. “Jennette and I agreed upfront that we would be treated equally on this show in all regards (as we should be, considering we each work just as hard as the other on this show). The rumors circulating about our contracts and our salary not being equal are absolutely ridiculous and false. I don’t know who’s putting these idiotic quotes out there but I thought I’d straighten it out and try to end this nonsense.”

    “As far as the show goes, I don’t know what’s happening because I’m not directly involved with the problem but I just wanted to address this one rumor in particular because I am NOT making more money than my costar, nor do I think I should be,” she added. “So we can all move on and get out of our heads that this was a money thing cause I don’t play like that at all. I am, have always been and always will be about equality and fairness.”

    Fans felt as though the rumors had been confirmed after McCurdy failed to attend the 2014 Kids’ Choice Awards. “I wish I could explain everything as thoroughly as I would like to, but unfortunately a simpler explanation is all I can write,” McCurdy tweeted on March 30, the day after the awards. “I was put in an uncomfortable, compromising, unfair situation (many of you have guessed what it is) and I had to look out for me.”

    “I chose to not go because sticking up for what is right and what is fair is what my mom taught me is ALWAYS the most important thing,” she continued. “I want to thank those of you who have reached out with kind words of support, McCurdians and Arianators alike. No matter who or what you support, I believe in supporting fairness first. If you have done that, thank you.”

    So far, Nickelodeon has not confirmed if Sam and Cat will officially be cancelled.

    Image via Twitter